Aston Martin Revives Valkyrie Hypercar Programme for Endurance Racing
Aston Martin has officially announced the revival of its Valkyrie Hypercar programme, with plans to compete in the FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship starting in 2025. Aston Martin will become the first manufacturer to commit an LMH-spec car to both championships by entering the IMSA’s GTP category alongside the FIA WEC.
The revitalised programme will receive support and backing from Aston Martin’s championship-winning endurance racing partner, Heart of Racing. Heart of Racing currently competes in the GT ranks of both the WEC and IMSA with Aston Martin.
Lawrence Stroll, the executive chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, expressed his excitement about the team’s return to endurance racing. Stroll said, “Performance is the lifeblood of everything that we do at Aston Martin, and motorsport is the ultimate expression of this pursuit of excellence.” He added that Aston Martin aims to build a deeper connection with its customers and community through its presence in endurance racing.
To prepare the Valkyrie for competition, work has already begun at Aston Martin’s AMR Technology Campus, located with the Aston Martin Formula One team’s Silverstone headquarters. The car is expected to undergo track testing in early 2024, with homologation planned for the autumn of the same year. The car is set to make its race debut at the 205 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The Valkyrie Hypercar will feature a race-optimised carbon-fibre chassis and a modified version of the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by Cosworth. The power unit will be enhanced to meet the requirements of the Hypercar class and endure top-level long-distance competition. Unlike the road-specification Valkyrie, the race car will not include a battery-electric hybrid system.
Aston Martin’s partnership with Heart of Racing is significant as it solidifies the team’s presence in both the WEC and IMSA. Heart of Racing, founded by Gabe Newell, is a charity that raises money for the Seattle Children’s Cardiology Research Fund. The team has already achieved success with Aston Martin, winning the IMSA GTD class championship title and the Rolex 24.
Ian James, the team principal of Heart of Racing, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Aston Martin. He said, “This is absolutely the right time for us to step into the top classes of WEC and IMSA and challenge for overall honours.”
In addition to the Valkyrie Hypercar programme, Aston Martin also confirmed its plans for GT racing. Starting in 2025, Aston Martin will have a significant presence in Formula One, Hypercar, GT3, and GT4 competition.
Adam Carter, Aston Martin’s new head of endurance motorsport, expressed confidence in the Valkyrie’s capabilities. He believes the car has the potential to compete against the benchmark machinery in its class and hopes to showcase its performance on the track.
The return of Aston Martin to endurance racing is an exciting development for fans of the brand. With the Valkyrie Hypercar programme and partnerships with Heart of Racing, Aston Martin aims to make its mark in the world of endurance racing and continue its legacy of success.